FORMER Celtic midfielder Kris Commons says he can’t understand Pedro Caixinha’s insistence that Rangers have the best squad in Scotland after a slow start to the season at Ibrox.

The Gers boss made the claim after his appointment in March before repeating it in August in the wake of his club’s humiliating Europa League defeat by Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg.

Commons, who ended a six and a half year spell at Celtic Park this summer, doesn’t see any evidence to suggest the Light Blues are capable of mounting a title challenge after a draw with Hearts over the weekend saw them fall five points behind their rivals after just three matches.

Read more: Ibrox crowd will be judge and jury as Pedro Caixinha looks to transform his Rangers fortunes​

Caixinha’s side face the long journey to Dingwall to take on Ross County this weekend and the 33-year-old believes a defeat could result in open protests at Ibrox.

"If he thinks he can keep pace with Celtic, I don't know what he's watching,” Commons told BBC Scotland.

"I just don't understand what warrants him saying he has the best squad.

"I think it's more of a hope than looking at a team performance and training from Monday to Friday and thinking 'you know what, we are the real deal.'

"A goalless draw with Hearts; Celtic could have taken seven off them on the opening game of the season.

"Now they go to Dingwall, which is no pushover. If he loses that; travelling down three hours in a car, I think there will be a few folk making phone calls saying 'next week, get the banners out'."